How do I get schools to catch up to my peers?

2018-10-26T13:54:52-04:00

Thought out my Army career I have always been overlooked for schools, either leadership has always taken them, I was tasked with some mission that I couldn't go to any schools, or they have gone to other soldiers or NCO's that don't plan on staying in. I'm currently in ALC and in January I go to Recruiter school.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 1:59 PM

2018-10-26T13:59:49-04:00

When you head out to USAREC, find something to set yourself apart. Be a top producer for your unit, attend the NCO of the Quarter boards, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club board and so on. I recently was inducted to the SAMC and am heading to MRT this week. Finally, just ask. Many do not attempt because they always think the answer will be no.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-10-26T14:07:18-04:00

I agree with the other comment. If your unit doesn’t know you’re interested you will get overlooked. Make it be known, multiple times, until you are put in for schools. We have all heard it a million times, you are in charge of your career! Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 2:17 PM

2018-10-26T14:17:36-04:00

Nag Nag Nag and Nag some more. Every first formation bring it up to your squad leader. That being said, be ready to show you deserve it. Lots of time company's will do a OML list created off of PT test and Ruck March times. If your not top 5 then there’s your problem. Be the best among your peers.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 26 at 2018 2:50 PM

2018-10-26T14:50:27-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOU AND TO YOU, SGT Private RallyPoint Member! MANY PRAYERS FOR YOUR SUCCESS AT RECRUITER SCHOOL.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 6:04 PM

2018-10-26T18:04:02-04:00

A common misconception is that schools are a right, your unit has to send you to schools. That is incorrect. Schools are given to those that the unit thinks can #1 graduate said school, and #2 be an asset to the unit with the information learned at the school. Therefore, if you are a mediocre performer your unit will not want to send you to schools. It's nothing personal, it's just good business.
I'm pretty skeptical you are being accidentally overlooked for schools. So go talk to your PSG about what schools you want, and step up your game to show him the money.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-10-26T21:54:44-04:00

Among everything SSG Private RallyPoint Member , SSG Private RallyPoint Member, and SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member said, work on that ERB and PPW - college, correspendence courses, APFT, weapons qual, certs (if applicable) and clean-up. There's more than one way to show you're a top performer and exceed the standard. And you can directly control those.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 26 at 2018 11:14 PM

2018-10-26T23:14:13-04:00

One thing I learned early in my army career, is that anytime you put your career in the hands of others, you have just made a big mistake.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 28 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-10-28T20:45:25-04:00

Excel at your job. Be THAT soldier. Flood command and DA with with 4187's requesting every school that you want. Be noticed. If you are silent, if you are that wallflower that just is there, then you will continue to be overlooked and undervalued. It's your career, time you took charge of it and stopped standing around waiting for things to be handed to you.